Galesburg City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers 55 West Tompkins Street, Galesburg, Illinois April 15, 2013 6:30 p.m. Call to order by Mayor Salvador Garza. Roll Call #1: Present: Mayor Salvador Garza, Council Members Ken Goad, W. Wayne Dennis, Russell Fleming, Corine Andersen, Peter Schwartzman, Wayne Allen, and Jeremy Karlin, 8. Also present were City Clerk Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Manager Todd Thompson, and City Attorney John Hanlon. The Chairman declared quorum present. Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to convene into executive session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the approval of the March 4 and 11, 2013, executive session minutes, litigation and the sale or lease of property (5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (6), (11), and (21). Roll Call #2: During the Executive Session, Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, to adjourn to the regular meeting at 6:17 p.m. Roll Call #3: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Dave Scholl, Galesburg Rescue Mission, gave the invocation. Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve minutes of the City Council meeting from the April 1, 2013, meeting. Roll Call #4: April 15, 2013 Page 1 of 8
Mayor Garza presented a proclamation to Lyle Johnson and Millie Allen, members of the City s Tree Commission, proclaiming Friday, April 26, 2013, as Arbor Day in the City of Galesburg and urged all citizens to plant trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations. A tree planting will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Rogers Park. Mayor Garza presented a proclamation to Robin DeMott and Betsy Schwigen proclaiming the week of April 17-20, 2013, as Sandburg Days Festival for the Mind 2013 in the City of Galesburg and urged everyone to join in the festivities in making this a huge success and a fun time for all. CONSENT AGENDA #2013-08 All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. 13-2007 Approve Resolution 13-08 reserving the City s 2013 private activity bonding authority. The City s available bond allocation is $3,058,335. 13-5006 Receive Comcast FCC Forms 1240 and 1205. 13-8007 Approve bills in the amount of $213,364.91 and advance checks in the amount of $170,559.07. Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve Consent Agenda 2013-08. Roll Call #5: Chairman declared motion carried by omnibus vote. PASSAGE OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 13-1013 Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Goad, to approve Ordinance 13-3392 on final reading amending Appendix E of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by replacing yield signs with stop signs on Dayton Street at Cherry Street and Kellogg Street. Roll Call #6: Ayes: Council Members Goad, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, Karlin, and Mayor Garza, 7. Nays: Council Member Fleming, 1. April 15, 2013 Page 2 of 8
13-1014 Council Member Dennis moved, seconded by Council Member Goad, to approve Ordinance 13-3393 on final reading amending Appendix E of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by adding stop signs at West Street and Cedar Street and removing stop signs on Ferris Street. Roll Call #7: 13-1016 Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix F of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by adding a yield sign on Chappell Avenue at Baird Avenue. Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Fleming, to suspend the rules and place ordinance on final reading. Roll Call #8: Council Member Fleming moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve ordinance 13-3394 on final reading amending Appendix F of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by adding a yield sign on Chappell Avenue at Baird Avenue. Roll Call #9: 13-1017 Ordinance on first reading amending Appendix E of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by adding a stop sign on Cherry Street at Water Street and removing the stop signs on Water Street. Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to suspend the rules and place ordinance on final reading. Roll Call #10: April 15, 2013 Page 3 of 8
Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve ordinance 13-3395 on final reading amending Appendix E of Chapter 76 of the Galesburg Municipal Code by adding a stop sign on Cherry Street at Water Street and removing the stop signs on Water Street. Roll Call #11: BIDS, PETITIONS, AND COMMUNICATIONS 13-3019 Bids received from Gunther Construction, Inc. (Galesburg) and Laverdiere Construction, Inc. (Macomb, IL), for the reconstruction of South Broad Street from the Square south to Simmons Street. Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the bid from Gunther Construction, Inc. in the amount of $301,709.94. Council Member Goad stated that while he believes the road is in need of repair, the cost to do this quarter block is too expensive. He suggested that possibly other alternatives could be used or that the Brick Street Policy can be reviewed. It was also noted that if the street is not repaired, or a base not placed, there would be constant spot repairs, which can be labor intensive. Public Works Director Larry Cox stated an alternative could be to resurface with asphalt or to rebuild with concrete or a stamped concrete. The block is considered an arterial street. Director Cox noted that $270,000 was originally budgeted for the project. Council Member Andersen inquired if a street with a permeable base had been explored. This would allow the moisture to flow through the bricks instead of using a concrete base. Director Cox reported that it had not been investigated for this project, but that the cost would not be less expensive. In addition, there has not been enough research on this type of street for it to be recommended. He also added that with the freezing and thawing that takes place in this part of the country, this type of base would likely not work. Council Member Karlin stated that while cost is an important factor, this bid is only $25,000 over budget. This section of street is historic, pretty, and unique to our community and serves as a throughway entrance for Knox College and Standish Park. He asked Council Members to preserve the historic street and to vote in favor of the bid. Community Development Director Roy Parkin stated that there are future plans to carry the brick street on Broad Street to South Street, through Standish Park and next to the Courthouse. This would provide direct access to South Street. April 15, 2013 Page 4 of 8
Paul Stewart, Landmark Commission Chairman, addressed the Council in support of the reconstruction project. He stated that when the Illinois Preservation conference was held in Galesburg, the Congregational Church was a venue that made a huge impression on the attendees. He added that brick streets are unique to a community, especially in front of a historic local landmark. He believes the money would be well spent and that the street would last much longer than a traditional overlay. He is also in support of the proposed median in order to save money. Roll Call #12: Ayes: Council Members Fleming, Andersen, Schwartzman, Karlin, and Mayor Garza, 5. Nays: Council Members Goad, Dennis, and Allen, 3. 13-3020 Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve the sole bid from Superior Asphalt Paving, Inc. (Alpha, IL) in the amount of $29,098.56 for sealing parking lots K, M, L, E, and the Public Safety Building in the downtown area. Roll Call #13: 13-3021 Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve entering into an agreement for electric supply based on DaCott Energy s recommendations that would take effect October 1, 2013. Purchasing Agent Kraig Boynton noted that the City saved approximately $45,000 on the last contract. Roll Call #14: PUBLIC COMMENT Rob Benedict, Mechanical Service, Inc., addressed the Council seeking assistance for nonpayment from the general contractor for work done on the water treatment plant (2008). He stated that MSI has not been paid $20,000 for work completed in 2010 for the project as a subcontractor. He added that he has had great communication from the City Manager and the Mayor but is seeking assistance in a resolution in order to avoid litigation. April 15, 2013 Page 5 of 8
City Manager Thompson stated that he would send a memo to Council Members with all the facts regarding the situation so that a resolution can be met. CITY MANAGER S REPORT A. April 2013 TAC Report received. B. Patrol cars have been listed on e-bay and to date have exceeded the reserve. C. Clean up days: April 15-19, 2013. A list of allowable items can be found on the City s webpage. Council Member Goad reminded citizens of the ordinance prohibiting scavenging. D. Approved Special Event: a. Use of Park Plaza for Worship in the Plaza on June 23, 2013. b. Use of Hawthorne Centre Gym and Optimist Park for Alzheimer Memory Walk on September 28, 2013. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS (Agreements, Approvals, Etc.) 13-4037 Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve a maintenance agreement with sole-source provider, ESRI, Inc., for the period of May 6, 2013, to May 5, 2014, in the amount of $12,868.49 for GIS software. Roll Call #15: 13-4038 Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to approve the request from the Galesburg Business Association (GBA) to construct a structure in Park Plaza in downtown Galesburg and to provide sealed construction drawings for the structure. Dennis Case, Galesburg Business Association President, addressed the Council stating that the structure would house chairs, a water heater, and a triple sink. Roll Call #16: 13-4039 Council Member Schwartzman moved, seconded by Council Member Allen, to approve a façade grant for 45 South Cherry Street in the amount of $20,000. The Downtown Council will also provide $20,000 and the owner will provide the remaining estimated project cost of $53,640. These funds would be made available through the TIF IV Fund. Mr. Gant addressed the Council April 15, 2013 Page 6 of 8
stating that he would like to take the façade back to its glory and repair the stone, add new windows and tuck-point. Roll Call #17: 13-4040 Council Member Karlin moved, seconded by Council Member Andersen, to approve the cost share of concrete with Knox College to install sidewalk along the west side of West Street from South Street to Berrien Street. Knox College will provide the labor for the sidewalk installation. Roll Call #18: Ayes: Council Members Goad, Dennis, Fleming, Andersen, Allen, Karlin, and Mayor Garza, 7. Abstain: Council Member Schwartzman, 1. TOWN BUSINESS Council Member Allen moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, that the City Council sit as the Town Board. The motion carried by voice vote. 13-9007 Trustee Dennis moved, seconded by Trustee Goad, to approve Town bills and warrants be drawn in payment of same. Fund Title Amount Town Fund $11,732.52 General Assistance Fund 6,988.79 IMRF Fund 3,313.56 Total $22,034.87 Roll Call #19: Ayes: Trustees Goad, Fleming, Dennis, Andersen, Schwartzman, Allen, Karlin, and Mayor Garza, 8. Trustee Allen moved, seconded by Trustee Dennis, that the Town Board resume sitting as the City Council. The motion carried by voice vote. April 15, 2013 Page 7 of 8
CLOSING COMMENTS Council Member Karlin thanked Mayor Garza for his years of service to the City. Council Member Allen stated that he was pleased with the façade grant for North Cherry Street and that he is looking forward to making these types of initiatives easier for businesses. Council Member Schwartzman also thanked Mayor Garza for his service and stated that he has greatly appreciated his time and guidance over the last two years. He stated that he is looking forward to the Mayor s continued contributions to the community. Council Member Andersen thanked the Mayor as well and is looking forward to working with him on other issues throughout the City. Council Member Fleming stated that he has enjoyed working with Mayor Garza and thanked him for his service. Council Member Dennis stated that he would miss Mayor Garza and thanked him for his four years of service on the Council. Council Member Goad asked that information be shared on the sidewalk replacement program with citizens. The program allows for the replacement of a sidewalk at a shared cost between the City and homeowner at fifty percent each. Council Member Goad also thanked Mayor Garza for his service and allowing him the opportunity to ask questions during Council meetings. Mayor Garza thanked Council Members for their comments and stated that he would be prepared with a statement at the May 6 th meeting. There being no further business, Council Member Goad moved, seconded by Council Member Dennis, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:49 p.m. Roll Call #20: Salvador Garza, Mayor Kelli R. Bennewitz, City Clerk April 15, 2013 Page 8 of 8